Tonight, I attended the OC SMUG. This is nothing new for me, I’ve done this before. Tonight, Jasime Star was our speaker and she spoke about netmaking as opposed to networking.
She talked about how networking wasn’t her thing. She would go to events, and even though she collected a lot of business cards, she didn’t feel like she connected with anyone. She didn’t know anyone well enough to recommend them. Also, she didn’t get any referrals back from them.
So, she started contributing to the community. She would assist others, take pictures, carry bags, what ever it took. She just wanted to be around others in the industry. This worked for her. People noticed her and connected with her. She has an amazing community around her. Doesn’t everyone deserve a great community?
If you ask me, it’s like “pay it forward”. Put something out into the universe, don’t worry about whose there to see it, someone will appreciate the effort. It’s good karma, it will come around.
Dewitt Jones talks about this kind of contribution…he likens it to mother nature. Does she wait for someone to be looking before putting on a great sunset? No, she just does it, Because it’s right for her.
I think all of us could do a little more of this. For example, I write this blog. Not because I’m looking for recognition, but because I have something to say.
What do you contribute to your community? Not because someone asked you to, but because it’s right for you. Because it fills your cup.
Go forth and contribute! I dare you…